Things To Do
in Koboko

Vivid street photography of market life: colorful produce, fabrics, vendors and lively trade scenes—best in the morning when activity peaks.

Photographing the borderland landscapes and cross-border commerce captures a unique regional atmosphere; always ask permission and avoid restricted areas.

Portraits and landscape shots of traditional homesteads, farming activities and seasonal fields—ask before photographing people and offer thanks.

Open savanna and low hills provide dramatic golden-hour light—great for wide landscapes and silhouette shots.

Steamed green bananas (matooke) served with a peanut/groundnut sauce; widely available at local restaurants and homes.

Must-Try!

Maize porridge (posho) eaten with a richly flavored beef or goat stew, often seasoned with local vegetables and palm oil.

Freshly grilled tilapia or goat/chicken from roadside grills—simple, smoky and popular in evening stalls.

Cassava boiled or fried, served with sautéed local greens such as sukuma wiki or other seasonal leaves.

The town’s bustling market is the best place to try fresh fruit, roasted maize, samosas, local bread and seasonal snacks; vendors sell produce, spices and homemade sauces—perfect for sampling local flavors.

Evening stalls grill meat and fish; try small portions first, and look for stalls with high turnover for freshness.

Polite greetings are important—ask about family or health before launching into conversation. A handshake (often two-handed) or nod is common; show respect to elders.

Dress conservatively in town and when visiting villages or places of worship—cover shoulders and knees out of respect for local norms.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially children and at border areas. A small gift or token of thanks is appreciated when taking portraits.

If invited to a home, modest gifts (sweets, school supplies, or small useful items) are appreciated; accept food and drink offered as a sign of respect.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. For hotel staff, restaurant service and guides, small tips (a few thousand shillings or about $1–5) are common. Round up taxi or boda-boda fares as appropriate; rewarding good service is welcomed.

Cash (Ugandan shillings) is king in Koboko—carry small notes and exact change for markets and transport. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Money) is widely used in Uganda but may have limited use in some small shops; ATMs may be sparse—withdraw cash in larger towns like Arua. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels or banks.

The most popular sport—local matches and informal kickabouts are common, and community fields are social gathering points.

Traditional combat sports and informal boxing events can be popular at community festivals and gatherings.

Vegetarians can manage well on plantain, beans, lentils, cassava and vegetable stews—specify no meat broth when ordering. Markets offer fresh produce for self-catering.

Vegan options exist but are more limited; request oily-free vegetable preparations and plain maize porridge or matooke with vegetable sauces.

Staples like matooke, cassava and posho are naturally gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination in shared pots and with bakery goods.

Drink bottled or boiled water, eat food that is hot and freshly prepared, and avoid raw salads from street stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.